BVAA’s In-House Valve Training

By BVAA Director Rob Bartlett.

In my long career in the fluid controls industry, I’ve always been very aware of the importance of good training. I like to think a good grounding came from my apprenticeship days. 

On day 1 at college, my entire engineering cohort were not permitted entry into the lab until we had first been trained (by the local Fire Brigade) in extinguishing different types of fires.  We then had to watch numerous videos of workplace ‘accidents’. Although obviously dramatized, it was so gory I doubt it would be deemed acceptable viewing these days.

As my career developed, I unfortunately became aware of many real-life accidents that had both maimed and killed people in the fluid controls industry. Almost all, it appeared were avoidable.

Proper training is a crucial aspect of many industries, but particularly for those involving fluid transfer, such as oil and gas, water management, and chemical / petro-chemical processing.   

I firmly believe that investing in valve training is essential. Firstly, it enhances safety. It ensures that employees understand the correct selection, specification, installation, operation, and maintenance procedures for valves and actuators. This knowledge is vital for preventing accidents, equipment failures, and environmental damage.

Also, a well-trained workforce can maximize the performance and lifespan of valves and associated equipment. Employees who are knowledgeable about valve and actuator types, selection, and troubleshooting can reduce downtime and ensure smooth operation. This efficiency translates into cost savings and increased productivity.

Good training equips employees with the skills to handle valves and actuators correctly, ensuring that they function reliably under various conditions.  This reliability is crucial for maintaining consistent operations and avoiding costly interruptions.

Also, as technology evolves, valve and actuator training helps employees stay up to date with the latest advancements. This continuous learning* enables them to integrate new solutions safely and effectively, fostering innovation within the company.

Then there’s the human element - investing in valve training demonstrates a commitment to employee development. This investment can enhance job satisfaction, loyalty, and staff retention, as staff feel valued and empowered in their roles.

Improving all round valve knowledge helps with selecting and producing valves and actuators that more effectively minimise fugitive emissions, process safety and waste via seat leakage and reduced energy usage in processes. We also know from experience here at BVAA that neglecting your PED approvals / re-approvals can be a very costly experience!

Another issue we know of is the critical experience-gap in the workplace caused by the ever- dwindling number of senior colleagues.  They were the ‘fonts of all knowledge’ and were sought out to answer those unusual, difficult questions that come up only once in a while.  They are the issues that demonstrate to a customer that your company really know their business. Things like why is a certain seal material or valve type used?  Or why do some customers not accept screwed bonnets?

An effective way to compensate for lack of experience is by investing in improved valve and actuator knowledge via training.  

An even better way is asking BVAA to develop a bespoke course for delivery at your own premises – increasing relevant knowledge in the most cost-effective manner.

In conclusion, valve training is not just a technical necessity but a strategic investment in safety, efficiency, reliability, innovation, and employee satisfaction. Companies that prioritize valve training are better positioned to achieve long-term success and operational excellence.

BVAA member, Brooksbank Valves Ltd, is very proactive with in-house training for a large number of their employees. Sue O’Rorke, HR Lead, comments, “We have used BVAA training courses on several occasions both inhouse and at Banbury, we find them to be very informative and relevant for our needs. The courses are well designed, the course material is excellent, and the trainer really understands the subject matter and is able to pass on this knowledge to our team members.” 

Visit our website to find out more about our full range of valve and actuator training: https://www.bvaa.org.uk/training.asp or contact our training team by emailing training@bvaa.co.uk or call 01295 221 270.

*Most BVAA courses are CPD certified.

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